Matheos Ferreira has set his sights on making an impact in his first full season with Newcastle United's Under-21s after a breakthrough campaign last time out.
The highly-rated winger impressed for the Under-18s with a hat-trick in an FA Youth Cup win against Portsmouth before scoring four goals in seven appearances for Robbie Stockdale's second string before the end of the season.
Pre-season promise and opening fixtures
Ferreira worked hard over the summer and offered a glimpse of what could come in the new campaign when he scored a stunning goal in the Magpies' opening pre-season friendly at Spennymoor Town last month.
After starting their competition action with a National League Cup defeat at Tamworth in midweek, attention now turns to Monday night's Premier League 2 opener when Tottenham Hotspur visit Whitley Park, followed by Fulham making the same trip seven days later.
Improving left foot and decision-making
Speaking ahead of the Spurs meeting, Ferreira said he is relishing the challenges of the new campaign and revealed the specific area he has worked to improve during the close season.
He told Chronicle Live: "I just want to keep going, impacting games and seeing what is to come. I am looking forward every training session, every game and just trying to improve as much as I can throughout the season."
"There are things I've been working on in training and the physicality of facing men's teams is a big help too. It's been a test but I haven't felt out of place. I've been working on my left foot especially, getting in and around the box and trying to get more assists by making the best decisions around the area."
Senior experience fuels hunger
Ferreira gained valuable experience in the senior setup during pre-season, coming off the bench in a friendly draw with Gateshead and in the defeat at Bristol City days later.
Reflecting on his introduction to life among the senior men, he admitted the experience left him wanting more. "It was a good experience to be with the first-team squad at Gateshead and Bristol City and be part of all of that. At Bristol, it was one of the biggest crowds I've played in front of and it was a nice experience for me. It just makes you want more."
